Accra: The Volta Regional Health Directorate has initiated this year's World Hypertension Day campaign at the Second Quarter Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) meeting held in Ho. The event aimed to enhance public awareness and action against hypertension in the region.
According to Ghana Web, the meeting gathered health professionals, development partners, community leaders, and various stakeholders to discuss strategies for combating hypertension. A key feature of the program was a presentation by Dr. Hectoria Awekeya, the Acting Deputy Director of Public Health at the Directorate. Dr. Awekeya provided insights into hypertension, highlighting its risk factors, prevention, and potential complications. She emphasized that hypertension is often termed a 'silent killer' due to the absence of symptoms until severe issues arise.
During the launch, Dr. Awekeya discussed the Ghana Health Service's 'Measure One Million' campaign, which was introduced last year. This initiative aims to encourage blood pressure screening among adults nationwide. The goal is to have one million adult Ghanaians screened to identify those unknowingly living with hypertension. Early detection is crucial for enabling patients to receive appropriate care, thereby reducing the risk of complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
Dr. Awekeya revealed that the Volta Region has a target of screening 51,650 adults as part of the campaign. However, as of May 19, 2026, only about 6,000 adults had been screened. She urged stakeholders and community leaders to intensify efforts in public education and screening activities to meet the target.
Participants at the meeting committed to supporting the campaign through enhanced community engagement and public sensitization efforts. The gathering concluded with a pledge from all stakeholders to promote healthy lifestyles, improve awareness about hypertension, and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the Volta Region.